Holder for yarn and the like



Dec. 2, 1952 K. c. CLOUD 2,620,144

HOLDER FOR YARN AND THE LIKE Filed June 5, 1951 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 1N YEN TOR.

K. G. CLQUD HOLDER FOR YARN AND THE! LIKE Dec. 2, 1952 2 Sl-IEETSSHEET 2 Filed June 5, 1951 INVENTOR. ad, Deceased ('af/m/Y/Ze (702/0; bum/1W1 of E'Sfafi:

Patented Dec. 2, 1952 HOLDER FOR- YARN AND THE LIKE Kenneth G.'Cloud, deceased, late of Chicago, 111.,

by Catharine Cloud, executrix, Chicago,.Ill., assignor to .Cloud Foundation, Inc., Chicago, 111.,

a corporation of'lllinois Application June 5, 1951, Serial No. 229,901

8 Claims.

This invention relates to a holder whereon a skein of yarn or like material may be placed to facilitate withdrawal of the yarn as an incident to it use or to its winding into a'ball.

It is an object of this invention to provide for such a purpose a light, collapsible, and foldable holder which may be packed away in a small container so as to be convenient for carrying in the pocketbook, or otherwise; a holder which may readily be erected and adjusted to operative position for placement upon a table or othersupporting surface; and a holder which is so simple to use and operate as not .to require any special skill or dexterity, and which will be sufiiciently strong and sturdy to withstand a long period of service.

These and other objects of this invention may be realized from a construction of which a suggestive embodiment is shown in the accompanying drawings wherein- Figure l is a view in perspective showing the holder erected for support of a skein of yarn or other like material;

Fig. 2 is a view in longitudinal section of a tubular container wherein is stowed the present holder in collapsed condition;

Fig. 3, which is an enlarged transverse section through the container, taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2, shows the folded holder accommodated therein;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the holder in a first stage of its erection;

Fig. 5 is :anenlarged fragmentary vertical section, taken on line 5-5 of .Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing one of the holder arms fully extended and the associated skein finger in upright position;

Fig. 7 is a detail in section, taken on line 'l-l of Fig. 5; and

Figs. 8 and 9 are details in section taken on lines 8-8 of Fig. 6 and 99 of Fig. 5, respectively.

The present holder may be formed from stamped metallic parts, from plastic parts which are molded, or possibly from other suitable materials. But very few dies need be provided for this purpose, since the parts are largely duplicates of each other and hence interchangeable. The construction is one which utilizes a light framework having a pivotal center, the assembly comprising a plurality of two-section arms secured at their inner ends to a central supporting hub which is carried upon a bracket to rotate about a vertical axis. Each arm near its outer extremity carries a pivotally-mounted finger around which the yarn skein .may be draped. Since the parts comprised in each arm are duplicates of those in the other arms, a detailed description of but one need be given.

The bracket B whereon the framework is rotatably carried comprises a vertical arm l0 offset to provide a channel with upper and lower walls II and [2, the former being engageable with the top face of a table T or other support. A screw l5 traverses the lower wall 12 with which it is in threaded engagement, and at its top carries a clamping head I6 of rubber or the like. When rotatively advanced in an upward direction, the screw will present its clamping head [6 in engagement with the under face of the table T or other support, thereby securing the bracket fixedly in place.

Carried by the bracket top wall H is a spacer sleeve IS on whose top end is rested a hub H rotatable about a fixed vertical axis that may be constituted by a hollow rivet 19 which extends through the bearing and top wall [2 to complete the assembly. Opposite ends of the rivet may be spread to prevent disassembly of the connected parts. 7

The hub H may conveniently be made of a plate having initially the contour of a swastika to provide two pair of oppositely extending offset lugs 20 all disposed in a common horizontal plane. The lateral extension at the end of each lug is bent through to provide an upstanding ear 2| which is centrally apertured to receive a pivot pin 22, here shown as a hollow rivet (see Fig. 3). This pin also traverses a longitudinally extending slot 23 formed close to the inner end of the inner section 25 of an arm A to provide a sliding-pivotal connection therewith.

Each arm A comprises also an outer section 2t. The inner section 25 is channeled upon one vertical side by flanges 21 and 28 (see Fig. 8) which extend along its top and bottom with inturned lips 29 and 30, respectively. The bottom flange 23 terminates slightly inwardly of the slot 23 so that, when the arm is slid inwardly, the proximate end of the bottom flange 28 will engage the outer end of the hub lug 20 to stop this movement at a predetermined point where the arm A overlies the hub for a substantial distance (see Fig. 6). Pivotal swinging movement of the arm A will be prevented when in this position; when pulled outwardly through the distance permitted by the pin 22 within the slot 23 (see Fig. 5), the arm A is readied to swing upwardly through 90, its corner adjacent the hub I-I being rounded at 3! to provide clearance for such movement.

The outer section 26 of each arm is in the form of a relatively thin bar of the proper size and dimensions to fit slidingly within the channel of the inner section 25 where it is maintained in assembled relation therewith by the inturned lips 29 and 38. A clearance remains between the two sections at the point a: for a purpose that will shortly appear. At or near its inner end the outer section 26 is outset to provide a hollow button 33 having a circular margin formed exteriorly with upper and lower steps a and l. The diameter of the upper step u, which is the smaller, is substantially equal to the clearance between the lips 23 and 30 so that it may be received therebetween to be guided thereby when the outer section 26 is shifted longitudinally of the inner section 25. Provided in the two lips 29 and 30 is a plurality of arcuate recesses 34, oppositely disposed in concentric pairs, and spaced apart transversely a distance substantially equal to the diameter of the lower step Z. A helically coiled spring 36 is positioned between the inner and outer sections 25 and 26 of the arm A at a point interiorly of the button 33 so as to be substantially confined thereby against displacement laterally thereof. This spring urges the outer arm section 26 to a position of engagement with the lips 29 and 30, the lower step I contacting therewith when the button is longitudinally positioned oppositely of any pair of arcuate recesses 34 (see Fig. 8). In all other longitudinal positions of the button, the upper step u is in contact with the lips 29 and 39 (see Fig. 9). By the means described, the spring actuated button serves as a releasable lock to hold the outer arm section 26 in any selected position of longitudinal adjustment, as determined by the arcuate recesses 34, relative to the inner arm section 25.

Extending beyond the outer end 3'! of the outer arm section, and adjacent its lower edge portion is a narrow extension 38. A finger F having a laterally extended base 39 that is offset at 40 is connected by a pivot pin 4! to the arm extension 38. This pin traverses the lateral base 39 of the finger, and its spacing from the section end 31 is such that the finger will engage therewith when swung to the upright position of Fig. 6. This engagement is assured by offsetting the finger base a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the outer section 26; as a result, swinging movement of the finger will be stopped when it has executed a pivotal movement of 90 or thereabouts. In the swung-down position of Fig. 5, the finger will engage the extension 38 of the arm section 26 and extent outwardly therebeyond in parallelism therewith while remaining within the projected confines of the outer arm section.

In use, the several arms A will be swung outwardly to extend radially from the hub H; the outer sections will also be extended outwardly a desired distance and their fingers will be swung around into upright position. To limit outward movement of the sections 26, a stop fiange 46 is inturned from the outer end of each inner arm section 25 in position to engage the spring 38 which isslid along with the arm section 26. Such a sliding movement of the spring along with the outer arm section is assured by the confining engagement which it receives from the inner face of the button 33. At the top end of each upright finger F is an outwardly extended tip 4'! which serves to limit upward movement of the skein of yarn or other material that is wound upon the several fingers in response to rotation of the arms A upon the axial mounting therefor.

A yarn holder embodying the features herein disclosed may be readily telescoped and folded up for storage in a compact space. From an erected condition, such as shown in Fig. 1, the several arm sections may be telescoped inwardly and the fingers swung around to lie parallel therewith; when shifted to outward positions relative to their pivot pins 22 the arms may then be swung around into parallel positions for accommodation within a small cylindrical container 50 (see Fig. 2) to which is frictionally fitted a closure cap 5|. The container is of a size and shape that will readily fit into ones pocketbook so as to be convenient for carrying about from place to place.

When the holder is to be used, it is removed from the container and erected to provide a framework, as shown in Fig. 1, so that a skein of yarn may be draped thereupon ready to be unwound. The bracket B may be readily secured to a table or other support so that the framework is then free to rotate in a horizontal plane to release the yarn as it is pulled therefrom. When the occasion for further use of the holder has passed, the structure may be folded up and stowed away as previously described.

There are certain features of construction which contribute to simplicity, effectiveness, and collapsibility of the holder to minimum dimensions. One of these is the mounting of each finger F upon an off-center extension 38, thereby permitting the finger, when swung into parallelism therewith, to occupy a space which is within the confines of the arm section to which it is joined. Another advantageous feature is the sliding-pivotal mounting on the hub of each arm which, when shifted inwardly, is locked against swinging movement; but when shifted outwardly, is free to be swung through into parallel position with the other folded arms. When shifted to locked positions on the hub, the arms are supported thereon through an enhanced radial distance whereby to sustain with ample margin the light skein load that is carried at their outer extremities.

There is also the resilient locking feature by which each outer arm section may be held in any selected lengthwise adjusted position. The button which constitutes the locking element is depressible, against the tension of the spring which lies rearwardly thereof, to disengage the button from any of the arcuate recesses in which it may be located, the outer arm section being then free for longitudinal shifting in either direction. Because of the locking arrangement thus provided, there can be no telescopin of any outer arm section when the device is in use. Each finger F, it will also be noted, is so shaped and mounted on the extension of the outer arm section that it will engage therewith when swung parallel therewith, and will also engage with the end of the arm section when swung around to a position transverse thereto. The limits of the finger swinging movement are therefore fixed, and when in either extreme position it will be adequately braced to prevent injury thereto or to the adjacent parts.

What is claimed is:

l. A holder for yarn and the like comprising a hub supporting a plurality of arms each having inner and outer telescoping sections one of which is channel shaped in cross section with inturned lips embracing the other section in laterally spaced relation thereto to provide a guide therefor, a finger carried by each arm near its outer end to be engaged by a yard skein when draped therearound, and means for locking the two arm sections in a selected position of telescopic ad- Justment comprising spring means for biasing one section laterally toward a selected recess formed in the other section, several such recesses being arranged in a row lenghwise of the arm.

A holder for yarn and the like comprising a hub supporting a plurality of arms each having inner and outer sections, one of the arm sections being channel shaped in cross section and provided with a plurality of recesses arranged in a row lengthwise of itself and with means embracing the other arm section in laterally spaced relation thereto to provide a guide therefor, a spring-actuated button carried on the latter section acting to bias the same laterally of the embracing section and provided with means for engaging successively with the recesses of the channel shaped section to fix the longitudinal position of one arm section relative to the other, and a finger carried by each outer arm section near its outer end to be engaged by a yarn skein when draped therearound.

'3. A holder for yarn and the like comprising a hub supporting a plurality of arms each having inner and outer telescoping sections one of which is channel shaped in cross section with inturned lips embracing the other section to provide a guide therefor, the last named section being formed with a hollow button having a two-step margin and the inturned lips being provided at spaced points with opposite recesses with which one of the two button steps may engage, the lips between the recesses being engageable with the other button step, a spring confined in place within the hollow button and exerting opposing thrust forces on the two arm sections to urge them into spaced-apart relation to the extent permitted by the inturned lips, and a finger carried at the outer end of each arm to be engaged by a yarn skein when draped therear-ound.

4. A holder for yarn and the like comprising a hub supporting a plurality of arms each having inner and outer telescoping sections movable longitudinally and laterally with respect to each other, a spring-actuated lock carried by one section and engageable with coacting means on the other section to fix the longitudinal and lateral position of one section relative to the other, the outer arm section being provided at its outer end with an offset extension, a finger pivotally mounted on the offset extension for swinging movement into and out of a position parallel therewith where it occupies a space wholly within the projected confines of the outer section.

5. A holder for yarn and the like comprising a plurality of arms each having inner and outer telescoping sections, a finger carried by each outer section near its outer end, and a central hub provided with radial lugs, one extended toward each arm to lap the inner end of its inner section, an ear upstanding from each lug to lap the inner end of one inner arm section, the latter being provided with a slot elongated in the direction of the arm length, and a pin carried by each ear and extended through the slot of one inner arm section to provide a supporting pivotal connection therefor, the arm section corner adj acent the hub being rounded to permit swinging movement thereof upon the pivot pin only when the arm is shifted radially outwardly to a position where the pin is at the inner end of the elongated slot, the arm when shifted to an opposite position being engaged for a greater portion of its length with the hub to receive a sustaining support therefrom.

6. A holder for yarn and the like comprising a plurality of arms each having inner and outer telescoping sections, a finger carried by each outer section near its outer end, and a central hub plate provided with horizontally extended radial lugs, one extended toward each arm to underlap the inner end of its inner section, an ear upstanding from each lug to lap the inner end of one inner arm section, the latter being provided with a slot elongated in the direction 'of the arm length, and a pin carried by each ear and extended through the slot of one inner arm section to provide a supporting pivotal connection therefor, the arm section corner adjacent the hub plate being rounded to clear the same for swinging movement upon the pivot pin only when the arm is shifted radially outwardly to a position where the pin is at the inner end of the elongated slot, the arm when shifted to an opposite position being engaged for a greater portion of its length with the hub plate to receive a sustaining support therefrom.

'7. A holder for yarn and the like having a hub mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and comprising four radially extended lugs spaced apart substantially and an ear upstanding from one side of each lug at its outer end, and four like arms each formed with an elongated slot extending lengthwise thereof at a point near its inner end, a finger carried by each arm at its outer end for supporting a skein of yarn when wound thereon, and a pivotal-sliding connection between each arm and one hub ear comprising a pin mounted on the latter and extended through the elongated slot of the arm at such a point as to permit the arm to engage the hub and slide radially thereupon, the arm when slid outwardly to the limit permitted by the pin within the slot being free for pivotal movement thereupon to swing to a position of parallelism with the hub axis and, when the arm is slid inwardly to the point of the pivot pin engaging the outer end of the slot, being engaged with the hub through an increased area whereby to receive a sustaining support therefrom.

8. A holder for yarn and the like having a hub mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and comprising four ears spaced apart substantially 90, and four like arms each formed with an elongated slot extending lengthwise thereof at a point near its inner end, a finger carried by each arm at its outer end for supporting a skein of yarn when wound thereon, and a pivotal-sliding connection between each arm and one hub ear comprising a pin mounted on the latter and extended through the elongated slot of the arm at such a point as to permit the arm to engage the hub and slide radially thereupon, the arm when slid outwardly to the limit permitted by the pin within the slot being free for pivotal movement thereupon to swing to a position of parallelism with the hub axis and, when the arm is slid inwardly to the point of the pivot pin engaging the outer end of the slot, being engaged with the hub through an increased area whereby to receive a sustaining support therefrom.

CATHARINE CLOUD, Erecutrix of the Estate of Kenneth G. Cloud Deceased.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

